Framing The Search Assignment

Position: SVP Supply Chain Operations

Client: A 150-year-old premium beverage manufacturer

The Challenge

3P Partners was engaged to recruit a Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Operations for a family-owned beverage company known for its iconic brand and vertically integrated production model. The company was in the midst of a major plant modernization project designed to increase capacity, improve efficiency, and streamline operations across multiple facilities.

The immediate challenge was to identify an operational leader capable of overseeing this complex transformation while maintaining day-to-day performance in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate would need to partner effectively across commercial and finance functions, drive S&OP maturity, and elevate supply chain strategy into a core business differentiator.

Key deliverables:

• Leading a multi-phase plant modernization and network optimization initiative to expand capacity and consolidate operations.
• Advancing S&OP and integrated business planning processes to align supply, demand, and financial forecasting.
• Strengthening end-to-end supply chain performance through data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and Lean implementation.

In addition, the role required high emotional intelligence and communication skills to engage teams from the plant floor to the executive suite, balancing respect for the company’s deep heritage with the vision to modernize systems, processes, and culture.

The Solution

3P Partners launched a targeted search focused on experienced operations and supply chain executives from the CPG and beverage sectors, with particular emphasis on candidates who had led large-scale network optimization or modernization programs in middle-market, privately held environments.

The selected candidate brought more than two decades of experience leading complex supply chain and operational initiatives for a global beverage company.

What set her apart:

• Led enterprise-wide network optimization and implemented integrated business planning across multiple divisions.
• Managed an annual capital portfolio exceeding $500MM and delivered over $600MM in cost savings through Lean Six Sigma productivity programs and continuous improvement.
• Balanced analytical rigor with people-focused leadership, enabling her to quickly build credibility with legacy teams while advancing strategic initiatives.

The 3P Difference

3P Partners leveraged industry knowledge in food and beverage manufacturing to quickly calibrate on the specific mix of logistics, manufacturing, and leadership expertise required for success in this role. Our consultative approach and disciplined evaluation process allowed the client to assess tradeoffs between operations and strategic supply chain experience, ensuring alignment with both current priorities and long-term growth objectives.

Our credibility in the industry enabled access to senior executives who were not actively seeking new opportunities but were motivated by the client’s heritage, growth plans, and commitment to operational excellence.

The Results

The client valued 3P Partners’ collaborative approach and ability to deliver a candidate who not only met the technical requirements but also aligned strongly with the company’s culture and long-term vision. Her combination of analytical rigor, process improvement expertise, and empathetic leadership positioned her to unify operations and supply chain functions under a cohesive strategy.

Is your company looking for a proven supply chain leader? Reach out to the 3P team to explore how our targeted, relationship-driven search process can help you secure top industry talent.